30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

I shout for joy because you

heal me from my hurts,

you protect me from my enemies

and you provide me with peace of mind!

Your Word continues to guide me and lead me,

by teaching me your ways.

Thank you for always being there for me so

I can be Christ to others.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 31:7-9

• Who are the burdened and downtrodden in this scripture? How does God provide them with support?
• Where do you find security in this scripture? How is it or how can it be played out in your life?

Hebrews 5:1-6

• What can you learn from this scripture about dealing with people who try your patience?
• What does this scripture say about weakness? What are your weaknesses?

Mark 10:46-52

• What do you say when you cry out to Jesus?
• Are you persistent in making your desires known to God? What do you do about making your needs known and then acting on them?

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you seek consolation? Is it from a person or is it a place or something else?
• Who comes to you for support when they are weary? What do you offer?  Is it too much?  Is it not enough?  How do you know it is what they need?
• Have you ever felt the path you are on has too many curves or bumps? What can be done to level out the road a bit? How can you help yourself with this task? What can you do for others?
• When did you recently sacrifice something for another person’s good? When has someone done the same for you? Has this happened with or without regret or expectation?
• Make a list of 5-10 good qualities you possess which would draw people to you.
• When someone comes to you for counsel, do you look for how you will benefit or how they will benefit? OR do you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the counsel you give? What does this look like?
• Jesus stood up for you and died for your sins; who do you stand up for? How do you let them know you stand up for them even in their weakness?
• Are there people who refuse to “be quiet” in your life or in the community? Do they stay on one topic or do they harp on many?  What do you think their goal is?
• Are there times when you should hold your tongue or the opposite, speak out more?  Identify those moments.
• Where do you see Jesus working today? What is He doing to shout out the message of forgiveness, mercy and healing?
• Is there somewhere Jesus needs you to go out to shout the good news?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am weak.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am blind.

Leader:  Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am crippled.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am ignorant.

Leader: Jesus, have pity on me and restore my soul

ALL:  for I am a sinner.

Challenge for the Week:  Take time this week to think about what it would be like to be blind.  How would you feel?  How might you be different?  How would you define the word see if you were blind, not having the experience of knowing what it truly was?  Then spend time considering what makes you “blind”?  What keeps you from seeing the positive in people or situations rather than the negative?  What things in your life or within yourself do you refuse to see and change?  How much time and effort do you spend trying to keep these things hidden from others, from God?  Pray…”Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

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